Metaverse

In science fiction, the "metaverse" is a hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, universal, and immersive virtual world that is facilitated by the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets.[1][2] In colloquial usage, a "metaverse" is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social and economic connection.[2][3][4][5]

The term "metaverse" originated in the 1992 science fiction novel Snow Crash as a portmanteau of "meta" and "universe".[6][7] Metaverse development is often linked to advancing virtual reality technology due to the increasing demands for immersion.[8][9][10] Recent interest in metaverse development is influenced by Web3,[11][12] a concept for a decentralized iteration of the internet. The term metaverse has been used as a buzzword by companies[1][13] to exaggerate the development progress of various related technologies and projects for public relations purposes.[14] Information privacy, user addiction, and user safety are concerns within the metaverse, stemming from challenges facing the social media and video game industries as a whole.[1][15][16]